Champagne De Saint Gall Orpale Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2012
Champagne De Saint Gall Orpale Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2012 is a dry, very light-bodied sparkling from Chardonnay (Champagne grand cru, France), in the sparkling style. Acidity is very high; oak influence is none. Good with shellfish, aperitif, oysters, fish and chips. No need to decant. Critic score 95/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champagne Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Second Skin Ruinart · Champagne | £97.62 | |||
| Champagne Michel Gonet Authentique Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2005 Michel Gonet · Champagne | £100.24 | |||
| Champagne Larmandier Bernier Longitude Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Champagne Larmandier Bernier · Champagne | £80.26 | |||
| Champagne Lanson Le Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne Lanson · Champagne | £62.15 |
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 20 years or more. No need to decant before serving. Orpale opens with an intense bouquet of citrus zest, golden apple, cream, peach and brioche. It is the most distinguished wine of Champagne De Saint Gall’s entire range and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Champagne, full stop. It is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, some of which do not go through malolactic fermentation, preserving the magnificent freshness of the Côte des Blancs. Champagne De Saint Gall can be located in the heart of the region, in the green fields surrounding the commune of Avize. Its wines are crafted in cellars belonging to Union Champagne - a large Champagne “cooperative of cooperatives”, composed of 15 other winemaking collectives. The two entities have worked together for over 50 years, ensuring that Champagne continues to live up to its name. Orpale has a stunning palate - layered, complex and generous. In its mousse-like depths, you can discover notes of apple pie, orange zest, lemon meringue, and white peach. These full flavours are balanced out by a remarkable freshness, as sharp notes of minerality and grapefruit appear on the long finish. It is a wine with a story to tell. Orpale can be enjoyed now, but due to its excellent structure, it can also be aged in a cellar for many years. Drink it alongside caviar, buttered scallops, or almonds.